The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 224. As a Professional——

224. 224. As a Professional—— 

Surrounded by men in black suits looking down at me, I assumed they were Mr. Shouda’s bodyguards or perhaps enforcers. Their stance alone exuded a presence that screamed of professional expertise in handling rough situations. 

I had dealt with my fair share of lowlife thugs who relied on intimidation and threats. Sadly, I was somewhat accustomed to them. But the silent pressure from these men in black was something else entirely. It caused cold sweat to bead on my forehead.

Mr. Shouda was keeping the men in black at bay. He spoke calmly. 

“If you wish to continue living peacefully without fear, I won’t do anything to harm your interests. So, I ask you again.” 

“…My answer remains the same.” 

For a moment, I wondered if I should just tell him everything if he promised not to spread it. But I, too, just want to live a peaceful life. And I can’t afford to show weakness to someone who leads with the threat of violence. 

I glanced around at the men in black once more. Their expressions didn’t shift; behind their sunglasses, their sharp gazes were locked onto me. They were focused on catching even the smallest of my movements. 

I didn’t want to imagine what might happen if I made any suspicious moves. Worst case, I’d end up as fish food by tomorrow. Feeling the tension, I unconsciously gulped. Which seemed to amuse Mr. Shouda, who spoke again. 

“I see. If your answer doesn’t change, then I have no choice but to move on to the next stage.” 

With a snap of his fingers, the men in black deftly slipped their hands into their jackets. Whatever they grabbed was hidden from view, but it wasn’t hard to guess what it was. No, I didn’t want to think about it. 

I hoped they wouldn’t resort to pulling triggers in a hospital room. But under these circumstances, anything seemed possible. Even the act of them preparing was a sufficient threat. And their intentions came across clearly. 

——But even so, I had resolved not to give in to threats. 

Negotiations had clearly fallen apart. From here, it was either a preemptive strike or a swift escape. Even if a sliver of magic were revealed, I could feign ignorance later. 

Alright, I’ve made up my mind. Suddenly, my head cooled, and I felt an odd sense of calm. 

Could this composure be due to my experience? 

——And then, I suddenly remembered. 

What about Colin? 

My mind had been so preoccupied with the men in black that I’d completely forgotten about Colin. It’s not an excuse, but she’d been quiet this whole time. 

I turned to look at Colin sitting beside me. And— 

There she was, sipping orange juice contentedly. A blissful smile was on her face. 

When our eyes met, she gave me a bright, innocent grin. 

Uh… what? 

——Ah, I see. So *that’s* what’s going on? 

Ah, I get it now. So that’s how it is… 

It turns out I’d been completely deceived by the appearance of the men in black. Thinking they were professionals in rough business? What an embarrassing mistake. Apparently, Colin was the only real professional in the room. 

Relaxing my previously tense body, I sank back into the sofa and locked eyes with Mr. Shouda. I even crossed my legs—yes, rude, but so what? It’s mutual. 

Of course, my provocative behavior made Mr. Shouda frown. 

“Oh dear, Mr. Matsunaga. Don’t get reckless now.” 

“I’m not being reckless. I’m just not going to talk. So, what will you do?” 

I smirked, trying to appear as fearless as possible. Mr. Shouda, however, grinned in amusement. 

“I see. So that’s your stance. Then there’s only one thing left to do.” 

Snapping his fingers again, the men in black simultaneously pulled out their items from inside their jackets— 

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! 

Deafening bursts erupted from all directions. 

The next moment, the sharp smell of gunpowder filled the air— 

“””“Happy birthday to you~! Happy birthday to you~! Happy birthday dear… MatsuNAGA-SAAAN! Happy birthday toOoOo yoOooOuuUuuu~!”””” 

The men in black burst into a full chorus of the birthday song. They were adding an annoyingly exaggerated vibrato to the final “to you~”. 

——Even though I was sure it was a bluff, I won’t deny that the sound of the party poppers startled my heart into jumping. For the record, Colin, who seemed to be seeing party poppers for the first time, watched them with sparkling eyes of curiosity. 

When the singing ended, Mr. Shouda beamed at me and spoke. 

“Happy birthday, Mr. Matsunaga. Did you enjoy the surprise? …Well then, gentlemen, you may leave now. Give my regards to the boss.” 

“””“Got it, sir!!”””” 

The men in black gave Mr. Shouda a sharp bow before briskly leaving the hospital room. 

“…It’s not my birthday today.”

“Haha, is that so? Seems I made a mistake.”

“Ah, a misunderstanding, was it? Then could you kindly explain the situation, including that part?” 

“Of course. But before that… I’m just glad Colin wasn’t scared. That was my only concern. Colin, were you okay? I’m sorry if it frightened you.” 

Actually, it was Colin’s calm demeanor that tipped me off to the bluff. Honestly, I shudder at the thought of what might’ve happened if Colin had decided to act before the men in black surrounded us. After all, they turned out to be amateurs. 

Colin, however, held up her now-empty glass and extended it toward Mr. Shouda. 

“That wasn’t scary at all! But if you feel bad about it, I’d like a refill of orange juice, please!” 

“Ha… haha… You’re quite the brave young lady. Alright, give me a moment.” 

With a wry smile, Mr. Shouda stood and walked toward another room. As I watched his back disappear, I leaned toward Colin and whispered softly. 

“You really saved me, Colin.” 

“I’m glad I could help!” 

She must have seen through everything from the start. Puffing out her chest proudly, Colin flashed me a brilliant smile. 

Guided by her reassuring expression, I finally relaxed. I let the tension drain from my shoulders and released a deep sigh of relief.